Atomic batteries!

[Dave]

Another sci-fi catch-up. Tiny batteries with incredible energy density and 5000 year life!

A Bristol uni has developed a system for converting waste, radio active, carbon blocks from nuclear power stations in "diamond" batteries.

From Wiki:

First prototype characteristics
voltage – 2V estimated (Ni-63 1.9V measured) [4]
energy – 15.8 MJ over first 5,000 years or total of 4.4 kWhours [5]
prototype size – 10 x 10 x 0.5mm (plus electrodes)

Not cheap at the moment but not out of range for special uses.

The scientists are asking the public for further ideas for their use. Pacemakers were mentioned as an obvious one.  Maybe the artificial heart is now possible, electromagnetic "squeeze action" or peristaltic jobs with no bearings or moving parts other than the chamber walls and valves - just like the real things?

Hmm, genuine  story but does it have commercial implications the big battery makers will not like? Or will they get onto the bandwagon

[Arturo]

Sounds like a great idea!

[joeactor]

Cool idea...

Wait! Didn't they already have those in the 60's?

[Davin]

^ but those only work if you buckle your safety belt.

[Asmodean]

Yes... Yes, very good.

The Asmo shall take 100 for His nefarious needs. 

[Dave]

OK, now we add some diamond super-sub-micro-wires...

Scientists at Stanford University and the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have discovered a way to use diamondoids - the smallest possible bits of diamond - to assemble atoms into the thinnest possible electrical wires, just three atoms wide.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2016-12-world-smallest-diamonds-wires-atoms.html#jCp

. . .and msybe, with carbon nano-tubes and other bits, we are on track for long term self powered micro-circuits for implants and micro-sats etc.

Oh, plus all kinds of bugging and other nasty applications I expect.